Village and Community Halls - Sport England · Village and Community Halls 7 Planning The proposed...

Village and Community Halls

Design

Guidance Note


2

Introduction

Village and community halls are the smallestbuildings that can accommodate a spor tsprogramme alongside the customary social andarts pursuits. There are a wide variety of typesand sizes, all with the following in common – amain activity and assembly space together withancillary accommodation that might includeadditional small halls. Whatever the content,design must ensure that a full range of activitiescan be carried out without detriment to each other.

It is vital to allow sufficient time to get thebuilding brief right and to select an appropriateand accessible site at the heart of the community.The resultant building should be aestheticallypleasing and reflect the care taken to produce aquality facility capable of meeting the evolvingneeds of the community and the services itneeds. A new stand-alone building is often thepreferred solution but there are other optionsthat may be more economical:

� Extension and upgrade of an existingcommunity hall to improve environmentalstandards and permit more activities.

� Addition of a hall, store and revisedcirculation to a refurbished sports pavilion.

� Inclusion of a community hall in a sportsand leisure centre.

� Planning for community use of new schools(primary or secondary) by upgrading someof the accommodation.

Site planning

Location

A central location with sufficient car parking is best, close to shops and other well-usedfacilities and to public transport. A site that isequally accessible to established and newareas of development can instill a sense ofownership across the community.

If the preferred site is in a conservation area theproposed building form and external finishesmay be subject to planning requirements thatcould have a significant impact on developmentcosts. The same potential restrictions apply toany outdoor play area or pitch where floodlightingmight be a contentious issue.

Proposals to locate community buildings closeto residential areas or elderly people’s housingcan encounter opposition. The size of apotential site might allow the building andrelated parking to be set at a reasonabledistance from boundaries, or there may have tobe some plant screening.

Sport’s requirements are often best servedwhere there is sufficient space for an outdoormulti-use games area to supplement activitiestaking place in the hall. There is no point inreplicating facilities provided nearby so a carefulevaluation of need is important.

If the site provides for cricket, tennis or bowlsthe building could double as a pavilion and willhave to be oriented so that changing exits andthe ‘club room’ relate to the outdoor facilities.Where there are grass pitches, independentchanging rooms will be required.

Proximity to existing services – electricity, gas(where available), water and mains drainage, andto an existing roadway – will all help to reducecost. Any rights of way or other easements mustbe identified and their impact on the proposeddevelopment assessed. Level, well-drained sitesare cheapest to develop.

Consider also if there is sufficient space to allowfor car parking, development of outdoor facilitiesand subsequent extension of the building.Interior of a typical village hall with dimensions

suitable for sport and with a stage for drama.


3

Car parking

Requirements for on-site parking vary accordingto location but there are several commondesign factors:

� Mark out bays for maximum utilisation andlocate parking for disabled people close tothe main entrance.

� Define separate pedestrian routes andinstall ramped curbs between disabledparking bays and the entrance. Changes oflevel around the building must be rampedand may require handrails.

� Make sure that service vehicles can turnwithin the site to access the entrance,refuse area and plant room.

� Provide lighting for security and safety.

� Car park noise is often a nuisance tonearby residents especially in the evening.Siting the building to screen neighboursfrom the car park can alleviate this problem.

� Provide bicycle lock-up parking close to theentrance where it can be overseen.

Landscaping

A planting scheme will help link the building toits surroundings and in urban projects can helpcreate a more welcoming appearance to theentrance environment. Suitably selected shrubplanting will provide a barrier to the buildingface, deter vandalism and give more privacyand security to glazed accommodation. All newplanting will need initial barrier protection.

Parking and landscaping are covered in detail ina separate Guidance Note.

N

Village hall

Parking

Football

Multi-use games areaLater extension

Planting screen to boundary

The hall should be close to the centre of the community and wherever possible have access to external play areas.


4

The building

Accommodation

Each location has individual requirements but‘core’ accommodation for the smallest hall orcommunity centre will include:

� main activity and assembly space

� entrance foyer

� equipment and furniture store

� kitchen

� toilets, including facilities for disabledpeople

� changing provision

� cleaner’s store

� boiler or plant room.

This core accommodation can be expanded to include:

� an office

� changing or dressing rooms and showers

� more or larger activity spaces

� licensed bar

� permanent stage

� meeting or club rooms.

And, in certain situations:

� grass pitch changing rooms

� fitness training room

� billiards and snooker room

� community health facilities

� daytime centre for the elderly

� information technology room

� village shop

� post office.

Kitchen

Hall

Foyer

Storage

ChangeBoilerOffice

WCs

Stage

Kitchen

Hall

Foyer

Storage

ChangeBoiler

OfficeWCs

Stage

Meetingroom

Kitchen

Hall

Foyer

Storage

ChangeBoiler OfficeWCs

Stage

Meetingroom

Pitch change

Hall 2

Bar

Cellar

Spatial arrangement diagrams for different scales of accommodation.

Larger village or community centre with a second halland changing for outdoor sport.

Next stage up with the addition of a meeting room.

Smallest viable community centre or village hall.


5

WC

WC

Change

Kitchen

Office

Foyer

Store

10 x 10m hall

WC

WC

Change

Kitchen

Office

Foyer

Store18 x 10m hall

Communityroom

Change

Store Cellar

Stage 18 x 10m hall

StoreChange Change

Communityroom

Bar

Kitchen

Foyer

WC WC

Office

Cellar

18 x 10m hallStore

Change

Change

Bar

KitchenFoyer

WCWC

Office

Lounge10 x 10m hallS

tore

Sto

re

CellarStage 18 x 17m hall

Store

Change

ChangeBar

KitchenFoyer

WC

WCOffice

Store

Lounge

Five plans showing different sizes of hall planned in accordance with the principles set out in this publication.

Smallest hall with the minimum support accommodation shown with potential extensions.

One-court badminton size hall with compactancillaries including combined WCs and changing.

Symmetrical support accommodation arounda hall with a separate stage.

Centre with a second hall and a lounge/meetingroom served by a bar as well as a kitchen.

Two-court badminton sizehall with separate stage anda lounge/meeting room.

Mats

Equipmentstore

Changing

Changing

Female

Male

Boiler

Office

Foyer/refreshments

Kitchen

Communityroom

Store

Hall 18 x 10 x 6.1m

Demountablestage zone

Cleaner

0 5 10m

6.1m minimum over the badminton court


6

Section

Plan and section of an economically designed hall layout. The double set of corridor doorswould allow the changing rooms to be used for stage productions.

Plan


7

Planning

The proposed functions of the building must becarefully considered to achieve an efficient planform that permits flexibility and concurrentoccupation by different user groups – a dramarehearsal in the main hall and a simultaneousyoga class in a smaller, nearby room, for example.

Good acoustic separation is essential and isachieved through careful planning and specifi-cation of construction materials. Implementingseparation is made more difficult by the need toarrange for the kitchen, and perhaps a bar, toserve two or more spaces. Lobbied or back-to-back double doors can help isolate noise.

Routes through the building should allow forreasonable segregation of user groups. On noaccount should the main hall or other publicrooms be used for general access, and storesshould always be directly accessible from thespaces they serve.

Summary of key internal planning issues:

� Plan the main activity spaces to conform torecognised sports dimensions.

� Include at least one meeting room. A mainhall with supplementary rooms offers farmore flexibility than a sub-divisible mainspace.

� Locate an office by the main entrance tooverlook the building approach, foyer andmain circulation.

� Locate toilets, including the disabledpeople’s unit, close to the foyer.

� Allow storage space for pushchairs andcoats close to the main entrance.

� Ensure wheelchair access throughout thebuilding.

� Plan the kitchen with counters serving twoor more public areas.

� Consider the benefits of linking adjoiningassembly spaces with acoustically treateddouble doors.

� Locate equipment and furniture stores to bedirectly accessible to the spaces they serve.

� Site changing rooms so that they can servethe backstage area.

� If changing rooms are used for grasspitches at weekends ensure they areaccessible for indoor use at other times andthat supplementary changing is provided.

� Plan temporary bars to be adjacent to storesfitted with water and drainage services.

� Site and plan the building to allow laterextension.

13.4 x 6.1mcourt

14.5 x 3m play areas

8 x 4m playing area

2.0m

1.5m

13.7

m m

ax

1.83m

The most popular sports in a one-court hall.

Badminton/short tennis Table tennis – four tables Short mat bowls – three carpets


8

Communityentrance

Schoolentrance

Adding extra length and height to the standardprimary school hall provides opportunities forcommunity use. Extra changing, storage,community rooms and, ideally, a separate entrancewill be required.

Schools

New primary schools can provide opportunitiesto cater for community needs, especially in ruralareas. Hall size will be increased over thenormal educational standard and more storagewill be required, but the school benefits fromextra space and the community from a betterquality building than might otherwise beachieved. A kitchenette, community room andextra adult toilets and changing will enablepublic facilities to operate independently fromthe rest of the accommodation.

Converting a hall in an existing primary schoolis seldom practical as it is normally at the coreof the accommodation. It may be possible toadd a community room but the opportunities for indoor sport will be restricted. Issues toconsider when examining opportunities forcommunity use of new primary schools include:

� Community elements must be designed sothat education use is not compromised.

� Hall size will need to be increased from theminimum 140m2 to 180m2 and 6.1m high.

� Plan to ensure that discrete schoolaccommodation can be locked and securedoutside school hours.

� Increased parking may be necessary andshould be lit for safe evening use.

� The community entrance must be well-signposted and lit, and must be welcoming.

� Provision for use by disabled people mustbe incorporated.

� Storage provision must be increased foradult-size equipment and furniture.

� A small kitchenette directly serving the hallwill avoid encroaching on the school’scatering arrangements.

� The need to provide adult toilets andchanging to avoid shared use of children’saccommodation.

� A community room 30–35m2 that can beused by the school.

� Wall-hung equipment in the hall should beprotected to ensure a safe, rectangularactivity space.

� Separate metering of heating and lightingso that running costs can be properlyapportioned.

� Outdoor surfaced play areas dimensionedfor netball or tennis.

Hall in a rural primary school lengthened andheightened for community use.


9

Building construction

Traditional domestic construction is often themost appropriate method for village andcommunity halls. The clear span and height of the main hall are usually the only aspectsthat demand upgrading of normal domesticbuilding techniques. Timber frame constructionis worth considering as an alternative to loadbearing masonry.

There is an extensive range of modularbuildings on the market. Evaluation of thesesystems should cover durability, robustness and appearance as well as the maintenancerequirements of their internal and externalfinishes. Some components may not be suitablefor heavily used wet areas and acousticseparation of rooms may be inferior to purpose-designed buildings. Any structural constraintsmust be fully understood so that spacestandards are not compromised and costlymodifications can be avoided.

The steel portal frame, a common economicform of construction for light industrial buildings,is sometimes considered for vil lage andcommunity halls but can produce a building of alien shape and scale unless suitablymodified. Promised cost savings can disappearwhen structural components have to be encasedand concealed.

Flat roofs should generally be avoided whateverconstruction method is used, and the number of external openings carefully controlled. Theneed to provide good quality of light andventilation must be balanced against heat loss,summer heat gain and security. Carefullyspecified roof lighting can be used to illuminateand ventilate internal spaces.

Main hall

A one-court badminton hall 18 x 10 (17.6 x 9.1min) x 6.1m minimum clear height accommo-dates the following range of activities as well assoft ball practice for a number of additional sports.

Sport/play Other activities

Badminton Clubs/societies

Short mat bowls Concerts

Gymnastics Conferences/meetings

Aerobics/keep fit Dance/dance classes

Martial arts Drama/films

Judo Receptions

Yoga Private functions

Playgroups Auctions

Table tennis Cheese and wine

Five-a-side (softball) Women’s Institute

Short tennis Guides/scouts

Fencing Discos

A two-court hall 18 x 17 (17.6 x 16.7 min) x6.1–7.6m clear height will increase potentialsports use and allow recreational mini-basketball,unihoc and five-a-side soccer. Additionally,audience capacity will be doubled from around180 to over 300. This is usually the maximumsize required, although three-court halls (27x 18x 7.6m) have been built. They are, however, smallsports halls and invariably lack the flexibility forsocial and arts activities.

The recommended dimensions, based on therequirements of badminton, correspond closelyto the size of many traditional halls. There isoften a requirement for a stage, most usually in the traditional proscenium arch form. As apermanent feature a stage is an inflexiblesingle-use area. The more economic alternativeis modular platforms that create a stage of therequired size in the required position, with orwithout surround curtaining.

The interior must be designed to be a suitableenvironment for all potential uses, with lightingthat can be adapted to suit different activitiesand a safe and durable floor f inish. It isrecommended that hall finishes are specified towithstand games practice with soft balls only, asimpact-resistant finishes and fittings severely


10

Light fittings mounted

outside badminton court

Line ceiling with

acoustic material

High level windows

to one or both sides

of the hall fitted with

blinds or curtains –

splay sills to throw

back shuttlecocks

Individual items of

stored equipment and

any wall fittings (school

halls) must be

protected by panels to

create a flush wall

surface

Hall access doors must

be flush to the wall face

and open outwards

Roof space can be used for

mechanical extraction when

sound attenuation is required

Minimise complexity of

any exposed roof

structure

Consider roof lights

to light and ventilate

deep space

accommodation

Run services in

perimeter ceiling voids.

Air flow into the hall

must not interfere with

shuttlecocks

Always include

badminton court

markingsHall floor must be

semi-sprung to BS 7044

Sill height for any

small windows at

1.2m above floor.

Detailing must be

flush with wall

compromise the appearance of the hall for non-sports use. Hard ball games and practice shouldtake place outdoors on a multi-use games areaor in a purpose-designed sports hall.

Floor

� An ‘impact energy-absorbing’ floor asdefined in British Standard 7044: Part 4 isessential for sports use and provides asafer surface for children’s play. The termrefers to floors that deflect over a givenarea rather than simply beneath the point ofapplied pressure.

� Semi-sprung beech, beech and maple veneerand various composition and syntheticsurfaces can meet the criteria set out in theBritish Standard. This subject is covered indetail in a separate Guidance Note.

� The surface must be durable and warmwith some slip for sport and fitnessexercises, but must not be hazardous whenwet from food or drinks spillage.

� Badminton court lines are normally the onlypermanently applied markings – these arealso appropriate for short tennis.

Walls

� Must be flush-faced, smooth and impact-resistant. Fair-faced or plastered andpainted brick or blockwork or robust timberor particle board linings are suitablematerials. Any structural framing shouldprotrude on the outside of the hall, neverinternally.

� A sound-absorbent finish can be used athigh level to supplement the ceiling lining

A cutaway view of a typical hall with key design and specification notes.


11

when required. Alternatively some acoustic‘tuning’ can be achieved by wall-hung, full-length curtains.

� Doors and low level glazing must bedesigned with safety in mind. Entry andexternal doors must open outwards.Internal doors between main spacesrequire vision panels. Frames and doorleaves should be flush with the wall face or have splayed reveals to minimise the risk of injury.

� Fire escape doors should have recessedpanic push bars or flush-mounted pushpads.

� High-level side windows provide evenlydistributed natural lighting. End glazingshould be avoided, as it is a source of glarefor players and audiences. Lower levelglazing or glazed doorways must bedetailed for safety, which may entail fittingfoldback solid panels.

� Safety glazing will be required and blinds,curtains or shutters should be fitted for film,drama and discos.

� Wall colour must be light enough to createa bright interior but not so light as to requirefrequent redecoration or give insufficientcontrast to shuttlecocks. A reflectancevalue of 50% is ideal.

� Fire extinguishers, sensors or other items ofequipment should be recessed or mountedin the corners of the hall to minimiseobstruction and possible damage.

� School halls sometimes have wall-hung,foldout PE equipment and may also haveretractable roof fittings. Community usenecessitates recessing wall equipment andconcealing it behind flush door panels.

Ceiling and roof

� Incorporate an acoustic lining as part of theconstruction. It is false economy to ignoreacoustic performance in the initial designand this oversight will lead to unnecessaryexpense later on. A reverberation time of1.2–1.5 seconds at mid-frequencies isrecommended.

� Exposed roof structure can add interest tothe hall and help avoid a bland appearance.Keep the design simple to limit junctionsand surfaces where shuttles and ballscould become lodged and which createcleaning difficulties.

� Ceiling-mounted light fittings will give thesimplest form of even distribution butshould be mounted outside the badmintoncourt sidelines.

� Ceiling colour should be white – approxi-mately 90% reflectance value to minimisecontrast and glare from the light fittings,and to reflect light downwards from highlevel wall glazing.

� If there is a roof void above the hall it canbe used to house mechanical extractionequipment where it is necessary to providesound attenuation to limit noise spillagefrom the building.

External and internal views of an urban sportscommunity centre with main hall, fitness room andtwo all-weather play areas.


12

Small hall

Supplementing the main hall with a restrictedrange of use. For sports, 9 x 9m or preferably10 x 10 x 3.5m high is recommended and willaccommodate the following activities:

� aerobics

� keep fit

� martial arts

� boxing

� table tennis (2)

� darts matches.

Other activities suitable for smaller halls include:

� drama workshops

� clinics

� club meetings

� luncheon clubs

17m

10m

18m 5mminimum

18m

Permanentstage

Permanentstage

Demountablestage

Demountablestage

� playgroups

� craft shows

� whist drives.

Functional requirements are, in the main, thesame as for main activity spaces. Safe design isvital as these rooms are often used by children:

� floor: impact energy-absorbing

� walls: flush and smooth without projections –any low level heating panels must be flush-faced and sized for safe surfacetemperature

� windows: designed to give an even lightspread and efficient ventilation

� ceiling: 3.5m should be maintained over thecentral part of the room and shouldincorporate acoustic treatment.

Seating arrangements in one- and two-court halls with temporary or permanent stages.

One-court hall – up to 186 seats One-court hall with stage – up to 261 seats

Two-court hall – up to 356 seats Two-court hall with stage – up to 496 seats


13

The following table identifies some of the itemsthat must be stored for a typical main hall:

Activity/function Equipment

Badminton Net and posts

Floor gymnastics Crash mats

Judo Crash mats

Martial arts Crash mats

Table tennis 3 or 4 folding tables

Short tennis Net and posts

Short mat bowls 2 or 3 roll-out carpets,mats and fenders

Demountable stage Modular stage blocks

Banquets/displays Folding tables

Seating 150+ stacking chairs

Storage will also be required for small items of sports equipment, clubs’ and playgroups’individual equipment and the drama group’sprops and curtains. Crash mats must be storedin a separate one-hour rated enclosure ventedto the external air and equipped with a smokedetection system.

Storage

Each multi-purpose room requires its own storefor sports and play equipment and furniture.This is usually an open-plan space fitted withshelving but can include secure compartmentsfor individual clubs’ or playgroups’ equipment. Afire-protected store with smoke detector andalarm may be required for certain items such asplastic foam mats.

� Main hall: generous storage is essential fora full range of activities. The minimumdimension for a badminton-sized hall is40m2 and more space may be required forstage props and other equipment. Doorsmust be wide enough to transfer the largestitems. Consider incorporating a built-in sinkand drainer to back up a temporary barinstallation.

� Second hall: 10% of the floor area as aminimum requirement. Area can be savedand duplication avoided if both halls sharea common store. Space will be used moreefficiently if the floor is marked out forlarger items of equipment.

� Meeting and club rooms: if there arealternative uses provide a store either in orclose to the room.

� Kitchen: fitted low and high level units,some lockable, are generally all that isrequired.

� Bar: a permanent bar requires its ownsecure store with cold-water service and awash-down gully.

� Cleaner’s store: usually grouped with toiletsor changing rooms and equipped withshelving and a bucket sink. Allow space forreplacement items such as toilet rolls andlighting tubes and bulbs.

� Refuse: bins, empties and crates need tobe secured in a compound that is usuallylocated outside the building. Refusevehicles should have direct access to thecompound.

� High level or attic storage space cansometimes be utilised but access mustcomply with health and safety requirements.

Bowls and badminton are the most popular hallsports. These two similar halls have excellentwindow and lighting arrangements.


14

Foyer

A foyer is essential, even for the smallest centre.This should be a comfor table meeting andassembly space where club and communitynotices can be displayed, a telephone locatedand giving access to toilets and the main hall.

The entrance should take the form of a draftlobby floored with barrier matting and must allowunimpeded access for wheelchairs. Storagespace for pushchairs should be provided off thecirculation area and separate cupboards forcoats may be required.

Office

In rural locations day-to-day management isnormally via a rota of voluntary keyholderssupplemented when necessary by paid,possibly part-time staff. In all but the smallestfacilities some form of staffing will normally berequired to take bookings, collect fees, supervisevolunteers and ensure that the building is safeand secure.

An office is often included as a base for staff,a reception and bookings point, a records storeand a location for the master heating and lightingcontrols and fire alarm board. Alternatively areception desk or kiosk backed by lockablestorage cupboards may be sufficient. In eithercase location should be in or off the foyer withviews to the building forecourt and into the maincirculation space.

Meeting and club rooms

These are smaller rooms but often multi-functional. If used by playgroups the usual carewill be required in the detailing. The only sportspotential is for table tennis and then only if roomdimensions are at least 8 x 4 x 3m high.Billiards and snooker tables require a dedicatedroom of 7 x 5.2 x 3m minimum.

Kitchen

Locate the kitchen to directly serve the mainhall and at least one other space. Wheneverpossible, position the kitchen on an externalwall. Usual requirements are a large domestickitchen equipped with four-ring cooker, doublesink, fridge, freezer, microwave oven andpossibly a waste disposal unit. A separatewashbasin must also be included. Designshould permit:

� Sufficient space between fittings for severalvolunteers to work simultaneously. Thedesign must be suitable for use by outsidecaterers at specific events.

� Fitting heights and space standards to suithelpers in wheelchairs.

� Serving hatches with inward openingfoldback doors and an uninterruptedsurface to prevent spillage.

� Robust, low level shelving beneath theservery worktop if the kitchen is to doubleas a temporary bar.

� Provision of mechanical air extraction.

� Easily cleaned surfaces that minimiseimpact noise and a non-slip floor finish.

� Direct access to refuse bins.

Bar

A licensed bar can generate revenue to helpoffset running costs but may involve theappointment of extra staf f. Additionally,increased security measures will be necessarythroughout the building. Provision of apermanent bar can infringe charitable status somust be carefully assessed in the businessplanning process.

Disabled user access must be provided throughoutthe building.


15

Local breweries may assist with fitting out costs.Temporary bars with an occasional licence areoften the most practical answer for smaller halls.

Toilets

Plan male, female and disabled people’s toiletsclose to the entrance foyer and consider theneed for adjoining coat hanging space. Thefollowing figures taken from BS 6465: Part 11994 can be used as a guide:

Female

� 2 WCs for up to 50 persons

� 3 WCs for up to 100 persons

� 1 WC for each additional 40 persons

� 1 washbasin plus 1 per 2 WCs.

Male

� 1 WC for up to 250 persons

� 1 WC for each additional 500 persons

� 2 urinals for up to 100 persons

� 1 washbasin per WC plus 1 per 5 urinals.

There should be at least one toilet for wheelchairusers. Minimum dimensions for a unisex disabledpeople’s unit are 2.0 x 1.5m. Increase size to2.5 x 2.0m for an integral shower and changingbench. The door must open outward. A separateGuidance Note covers disabled requirementsin detail.

In addition there can be a requirement for:

� Children’s toilets arranged off a room to beused for playgroups. Fittings will be ofreduced size and there should be a nappychanging surface. Alternatively, providenappy change in the disabled people’s WC.

� A separate WC cubicle and washbasin ineach changing room for use of players andperformers.

All surfaces must be durable and easily cleaned.Cantilever basins mounted on a duct to concealpipework are most easily maintained. If soapdispensers are required they can be locatedbetween basins.

Changing

Changing

MaleWC

FemaleWC

Cleaner

Another compact arrangement but main toiletscould be provided separately where changing alsoserves as dressing rooms for stage productions.

Changing Changing

FemaleWC

MaleWC

Cleaner

Nominal changing provision accessed through thetoilet area – acceptable only in the smallest schemes.


16

Environmental services

High levels of comfort are essential to ensurefull utilisation of the facility. People will notbe encouraged to leave their homes ininclement weather or on dark evenings if theyhave to face a poorly heated and ventilatedor gloomy environment.

Flexible response heating, l ighting andventilation systems are needed for activitiesranging from strenuous to sedentary, somerequiring high lighting levels and others onlybackground lighting.

Parts of the building will attract only intermittentuse so separate heating circuits should beconsidered and automatic controls deployed toensure that systems are turned down or switchedoff when accommodation is unoccupied.

Heating

� A low-pressure hot water system fed from acentral gas-fired boiler provides the bestcombination of flexibility and economy. Oilis an alternative on sites where gas isunavailable.

� Main hall heat sources need to be visuallyunobtrusive and deliver comfort conditionsto these relatively high spaces. Under floorheating systems, ducted warm air orradiant panels above door head height aregenerally the most effective solutions.

� Pipe circuits in buildings with a centralboiler should group together compatiblezones. In schools or sports centres thecommunity content should be zoned andmetered separately.

� Electric convector or radiant heating isinexpensive to install but can incur highrunning costs even when operated withsophisticated controls.

� Master controls should be in a secure placeby the final exit from the building.

� Whatever form of heating is used it isessential to have high levels of insulationand a well-sealed building envelope. Theentrance doors should incorporate a draftlobby to help retain the thermal capacity.

Changing rooms

Buildings with main and secondary halls requirebetween six and 12 changing spaces locatedclose to a backstage area for male and femalesports users and performers. Increased provisioncan be considered if there are adjacent tenniscourts and will be needed if netball or cricketteams use the facilities or if there is an all-weather, multi-games area. Where there aregrass pitches provide separate team-sizedchanging rooms.

Showers should be allocated on the basis ofone for every six changing spaces for indooruse, and one for three to four changing spacesfor outdoor sports.

Changing should be designed with adequatespace for wheelchair access and with 0.45mdeep benches cantilevered from the wall toease floor cleaning. Allow 0.5m width of benchper person. Minimum plan dimensions are 2.5mbenchback to benchback or 1.5m benchback towall face.

Screened entrances are essential and showersand dry-off areas must be located at the far endof the changing rooms. Lockers are normallyonly required in urban locations or where thereare multi-use outdoor facilities.

Finishes must be robust and easily cleaned.Daylighting will brighten up these small spacesbut mechanical ventilation is essential for theshowers. Changing room design is covered inmore detail in a separate Guidance Note,Pavilions and Clubhouses.

A recently built village hall with an external formand finishes to suit its rural location.


17

Lighting

� A presence detection system should beused throughout the building for all primarylight sources. Time clock or sensor controlwill be required for external illumination.

� The main and small hall will need an overalllighting system and will benefit fromsecondary ‘decorative’ lighting.

� Main hall lighting must not be mounteddirectly over the badminton court. Compactfluorescent fittings provide the bestcombination of economy, good colourrendering and ease of control.

� When it will be used for drama productionsensure the hall is equipped with powerpoints located for temporary stage lightinginstallation.

� Emergency lighting will be required.

Ventilation

� Arrange windows to provide efficientventilation with adequate security. Considerthe benefits of controlled cross-ventilationthroughout the building.

� Natural ventilation should be used whereverpossible but kitchens, toilets, changing

rooms and showers must have mechanicalextraction.

� Fans and ductwork may have to beextended to the public areas if noisespillage from open windows is likely to be aproblem.

� Fit changing room showers and the kitchenwith humidistat switching to ensure properventilation with over-run.

Power

� Residual current circuit breakers should bespecified for safety and guarded socketsare required where playgroups meet.

Water services

� Usually, water demand is low except whenshowers are included. Individual waterheaters or a multi-point heater can offereconomies over stored hot water suppliedfrom a central boiler.

Protection

� Lightning protection may be advisable incertain rural locations where the isolationand height of the hall may make itvulnerable to lightning strikes.

Space Temperature Illuminance Air change°C lux rate per hour

Main hall 12–20 300–400 1.5–3.0

Second hall(s) 18–21 300 1.5–3.0

Lounge(s) 21 200

Foyer 18 200

Office 21 500

Bar 21 100–200

Bar store 10 100

Kitchen 18 500 20

Equipment store 10 100

Changing rooms (toilets) 20–21 100 6–10

Summary of typical service performance levels.


18

External play areas

Playground

� Securely fenced and safely surfaced playarea on the sunny side of the buildingapproached from the room whereplaygroups meet. Ensure that some sunshading is incorporated in the design.

� Safe detailing is most important, especiallyaround the access doors and thresholds.Make sure windows cannot be opened intothe path of children.

164m

119m

37–46m

Crickettable

Senior football

Hockey and junior football

Cricket boundary

20.12mpitch

18–23m

33–

40m

Floodlight

Hardsurface

Fence and rebound wall at low level

� Electronic security sensors and alarms areappropriate on some sites, particularlywhere alcohol is stored. Proper fireprotection must be included.

� Windows may require additional protection.Electrically operated external rolldownshutters offer the most effective security.However, their appearance when thebuilding is closed must be carefullyconsidered.

Dimensions for pitches.

Typical layout of cricket field and winter games pitch.

Multi-use games area

� A tennis court-sized, fenced, all-weatherplay area greatly extends the scope forsport and takes the more robust activitiesoutside the building. It should be linked tothe changing exit by a paved route suitablefor wheelchairs and will benefit fromfloodlighting if planning conditions permit.

� An external equipment store can beincorporated into the building accommo-dation where it will be more secure andless obtrusive.

Grass pitches

� Good drainage is essential and correctorientation, around a north/south axisdesirable. Include separate team changingrooms and officials’ rooms. The sizes andconstruction of grass and synthetic playingsurfaces for sport are covered in detail inseparate Guidance Notes.

A floodlit, fenced games area

Suitable for:Five- and six-a-side soccerNetballSix-a-side hockeyShort tennisBasketballRoller skating


19

Sport England aims to lead the development of sport in England byinfluencing and serving the public, private and voluntary sectors. Our aim is:

more people involved in sport

more places to play sport

more medals through higher standards of performance in sport

Sport England Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. Sport England, its servantsor agents shall not at any time, in any circumstances, be held responsible or liable to any party in respect of any loss, damage orcosts of any nature arising directly or indirectly from reliance placed on the material in this publication, or any other guidelines or

policies issued by Sport England. This information has been prepared as a basic guide only and should not be viewed as asubstitute for obtaining comprehensive expert or professional advice.

This guidance and Sport England policies on Lottery funding applications are subject to change from time to time, includingvariations required to comply with governmental directions on the application of Lottery funds. Sport England reserves the rightto amend, supplement and/or discontinue, at its absolute discretion for whatever reason, any or all of the guidelines set out in

this publication.

A semi-sprung hardwood floor is ideal for sportand play.

There are a number of Guidance Notes on related

matters. A current list is available from:

Sport England Publications

PO Box 255, Wetherby LS23 7LZ

Tel: 0990 210255. Fax: 0990 210266

Minicom: 0870 1207405.

E-mail (order enquiries only):

[email protected]

Sport England is the brand name of the

English Sports Council which is the

distributor of Lottery funds to sport.

© Sport England, January 2001

SE/1038/5M/01/01

16 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0QP

Tel: 020 7273 1581. Fax: 020 7273 1710

www.english.sports.gov.uk

Design concept by GDA Creative Solutions

Produced by NBA Tectonics

Printed in England by the Westside Group

Ref: 1038£10

ISBN 1 86078 130 6

Village and Community Halls - Sport England · Village and Community Halls 7 Planning The proposed...

Documents

Transcript of Village and Community Halls - Sport England · Village and Community Halls 7 Planning The proposed...